The Daily Dash: Financial growth for the industry and a freight brokerage bucks COVID-19 trends

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, the third-quarter financial report of industry lender BMO suggests positive momentum going forward for carriers. Plus, a Tennessee freight brokerage continues record growth despite the pandemic, and new visibility tools and transportation management system integrations aim to improve carrier and shipper operations.

Hopeful signs

The finances of BMO, a major lender to the trucking sector, appear to have stabilized, and key metrics from its transportation finance division show that the industry’s health overall may be turning positive.

John Kingston explains what it all means: BMO’s Q3 suggests transportation sector’s finances stabilized

No pandemic can stop us now

The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed the growth at Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Trident Transport. The full-truckload brokerage has grown 768.8% over the past three years and has added 25% more staff this year.

John Paul Hampstead explains how it’s done that: Trident Transport grows headcount by 25% during COVID-19

End-to-end visibility

Visibility within freight yards continues to vex many, but a partnership between PINC and project44 aims to change that. The agreement will provide real-time visibility and automation capabilities for both in-transit operations and inside yards.

Linda Baker has more details: PINC teams up with project44 on next-generation yard solutions

Integrations mean more access to real-time rates

C.H. Robinson has continued to improve its Navisphere technology with new features and options. It is now making the real-time pricing and capacity assurance tools inside Navisphere, along with additional functionality, available to a wider audience with integrations with 19 leading transportation management system providers.

Brian Straight explains what this means for shippers: C.H. Robinson opens door further to real-time pricing, capacity assurance tools

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Did you miss this?

Major trucking fleets argue that using hair testing for the detection of drugs and alcohol can keep thousands of unsafe truck drivers off the road. Government regulators, though, are delaying a rulemaking, and it is frustrating those in the industry.

John Gallagher has details on the current situation: Truckers frustrated with hair-test guideline delays

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.